(Red Deer, AB) – The Red Deer Downtown Business Association is pleased to announce the return of the annual holiday campaign, North Pole Stroll, for the 2016 Christmas season.

In its fourth year, the initiative aims to promote Downtown Red Deer businesses during the holidays through promotions, contests and Downtown events. It all kicks off with Red Deer Lights the Night on Saturday November 19, and continues through December 24. Here are a few highlights to look forward to:

Red Deer Lights the Night | Saturday November 19, 4 – 7 p.m. in City Hall Park, Red Deer Public Library and on Ross StreetPresented by Stantec and hosted by The City of Red Deer, Red Deer Public Library and the Downtown Business Association this annual event celebrates the start of the holiday season with the lighting of City Hall Park and the Christmas Holiday Tree. Enjoy live music, snacks & hot beverages in the Hudsons Warming Tent, and stop by the Winter Market for unique handmade gifts. There will be free hot chocolate and popcorn, plenty of activities for the kids, and of course, a visit from Santa! Many Downtown businesses will remain open and some will have special holiday promotions while others will greet you with festive goodies. For details, please check with individual retailers.

The Christmas Pickle | November 21 – December 24Once again, Downtown Red Deer businesses will be hiding pickle decorations within their stores. Find one to win a prize from that business. Retailers are responsible to determine their own prizes, and examples include gift cards, discounts and draw entries.

Shop Downtown contest | November 21 – December 24Proudly presented by the Downtown Business Association and Kraze 101.3, Shop Downtown offers Kraze listeners a chance to win a $100 gift card to a different Downtown business each day of the promotion. Visitkraze1013.fmto enter the daily draw.

Late Night Shopping | Thursday December 8 throughout Downtown Red DeerMany businesses will remain open until 8 p.m. or later to give Red Deerians some extra time to finish their Christmas shopping. Discover the unique gifts Downtown merchants have to offer and support local businesses this holiday season.

“North Pole Stroll is a great time to explore Downtown Red Deer and all the unique businesses in the area, and a wonderful way to promote the importance of shopping local during the Christmas season,” said Catherine Robb, owner of Housewarmings. “We’re always excited to participate and look forward to the lights, decorations and holiday cheer that can be found throughout the Downtown this time of year.”

For more information on North Pole Stroll, including a list of participating businesses, visitwww.northpolestroll.ca.

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The Downtown Business Association has been operating in Red Deer for over 30 years, serving approximately five-hundred business owners in the Downtown area.Through partnerships and leadership in advocacy and promotion, the DBA is the catalyst for a vibrant and prosperous downtown that istheplace to live, work, play and do business.

First Parklet performance this Friday
The Red Deer Downtown Business Association (DBA) is pleased to announce the return of the Alexander Way Parklet, with Friday musical performances for the summer season.